BEV registrations drive all UK car market growth in March

Battery electric vehicle (BEV) registrations in the UK reached a record 83,662 units in March 2026, surpassing the previous monthly high by more than 8,200 units, an increase of approximately 11%, according to data published by New AutoMotive. Overall car market growth in the month was driven entirely by electrified vehicles, with petrol registrations falling 12.2% year-on-year and diesel down 11.1%.

BYD ranked second for BEV registrations in the UK in March, the first time the brand has achieved that position. Registrations more than doubled compared with the same month last year.

In the light commercial vehicle segment, plug-in hybrid (PHEV) van registrations reached record levels, with Ford credited as a significant contributor after nearly tripling the PHEV share within its own sales mix. BEV van volumes declined in the period, though New AutoMotive attributed this partly to ZEV Mandate flexibility provisions introduced in 2025, which allow manufacturers to meet 2026 compliance targets with a BEV share as low as 4.8%. Kia, operating as a BEV-only van manufacturer, reached third place in BEV van registrations in the UK in the first quarter of 2026.

Overall PHEV registrations rose 34.5% year-on-year in March, which New AutoMotive said indicated growing manufacturer use of compliance flexibilities, raising questions about the near-term pace of full electrification.

Source: New AutoMotive